The History of the Bible . . .Have you ever asked yourself any of the following questions?
Guess what? You're not alone! Millions of people, both Christians and non-Christians alike, have asked these same important questions. For Christians, the foundation of our very faith, our beliefs, and our eternity, all hinge on the authenticity and reliability of the Bible; a collection of 66 books, penned by over 40 authors, and written over a span of around 1,500 years. The story of how God has preserved His words throughout history is nothing shy of miraculous. From the original authors, to the early church fathers... from the dark ages to the middle ages... and from the Reformation to the present generation, God has used countless brave men and women who dedicated and sacrificed their lives for their faith and for the preservation of God's Word. Wouldn't you like to finally know HOW we got this book and WHY you can (and should) place your trust in it today? The Bible Exhibit™ is a traveling Bible museum that showcases some of the world's most rare and historically important Bibles and biblical artifacts. Attending one of our exhibits is a unique learning and faith-strengthening experience, that proclaims the miraculous story of how we got the Bible through educational presentations, the distribution of Christian outreach materials, and the showcasing of our rare, ancient Bibles and biblical artifacts. These three methods of outreach effectively detail the amazing journey of God's written Word throughout history and encourage attendees to engage with the Bible on a deeper spiritual level. Attending one of our events will strengthen and encourage you in your faith as you learn about the amazing history of how God has preserved His written Word throughout the generations. The Bible Exhibit™ contains over 200 of some of the world's most rare, ancient and historically important Bibles and biblical artifacts which are brought to your local church, or church event for display, and often times at NO CHARGE to your church. Half-day, full-day and multi-day options are available depending on your needs. In addition to the exhibit, we are also happy and prepared to provide engaging, educational and inspirational presentations on the miraculous history of our Bible. |
T H E B I B L E E X H I B I T™™The Bible Exhibit™ is a not-for-profit ministry operates with a heart for the Good News of the Gospel, and with a mission to seek the lost so that they can find new life in Jesus Christ. This is the saving power of the Gospel (ευαγγέλιο) message that is recorded for us throughout the Bible...
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
- Luke 19:10 (BSB) But these miracles have been written so that you will believe
that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and so that you will have life by believing in him. - John 20:31 (GW) I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
- 1 John 5:13 (BSB) He (God) wants all people to be saved and to learn the truth.
- 1 Timothy 2:34 (GW) And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
- John 5:22-23 (BSB) |
Our logo...
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The cross is the central tenet of the Christian faith. The scriptures are constantly directing us to it on every page. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (AAT) says, "The message of the cross is something foolish to those who perish, but it is God's power to us who are saved." In Galatians 6:14 Paul writes, "May I never boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ...". It really is all about the cross of Jesus Christ and that is why the cross is also a central tenant of our ministry.
The Greek script at the top of our logo showcases a unique spelling of the word "stauros," which means "cross." This special form was found in our earliest manuscript of the Gospel of Luke, Papyrus 75 ("P75") which was discovered in Egypt in the 1950's and first published in 1961. It is found in a few other very early Christian manuscripts such as P45 and P66, as a special, reverential way to spell the words "cross" and "crucified". Papyrus 75, also known as "Hanna Papyrus 1", includes text from Luke 3:18-24:53 and John 1:1-15:8. It contains our earliest copy of the Lord's Prayer, and is regarded as one of the most significant New Testament discoveries to date, dating from AD 175-225. While the word for "cross" is traditionally spelled "stauros," this special version omits the 'au' letters, as indicated by a straight line above the word. Furthermore, the Greek letter 'r' (which resembles our 'p') is superimposed on the 't,' forming a shape that evokes a head and hints at a body on a cross (⳨). This symbol is commonly known as a "Staurogram" or "tau rho." You can purchase an AAT Bible which features this very image on the cover by clicking here. |
The above image of Luke 24:7 from P75 shows the Staurogram was also used not just as a special spelling of the Greek word for "cross", but also for "crucify" or "crucified"
Papyrus 75—Luke 14:27 “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Photo above: Martin Bodmer Foundation |
At the bottom of our log are the Latin words, "Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum". This phrase, which translates to "The Word of the Lord endures forever," was a popular motto of the Reformation, signifying the enduring power and authority of God's Word, based on Isaiah 40:8 and 1 Peter 1:25. It is often abbreviated as "VDMA".
The saying appeared on armor, flags, cannons, and all manner of objects. By adopting this motto, the Reformers confessed that God’s redemptive promise of the gospel could not be thwarted. Even if the Emperor was able to overcome them through his political might, the redemptive Word would vindicate them on Judgment Day.
This old saying reveals the importance of the unchanging nature of God’s Word despite an ever-changing world we live in.
The saying appeared on armor, flags, cannons, and all manner of objects. By adopting this motto, the Reformers confessed that God’s redemptive promise of the gospel could not be thwarted. Even if the Emperor was able to overcome them through his political might, the redemptive Word would vindicate them on Judgment Day.
This old saying reveals the importance of the unchanging nature of God’s Word despite an ever-changing world we live in.
"Read this Bible. Look at your Savior on the cross. Believe His blood washes you clean from every sin, and live with Him forever!" - William F. Beck, Th.D.
The Bible Exhibit™ is a privately funded, Gospel-centered Christian ministry. We welcome and encourage churches and organizations to contact us to learn more about how they can host an event and/or schedule an educational presentation. On average, there are around 100 museum-quality items on display at our events, some of which can be held, studied, read, photographed and appreciated up close and personal by attendees. Many of these items can only be found in top museums and libraries around the world so book an event today and experience firsthand some of the world's most rare and historically important Bibles and Christian artifacts throughout history. Click here for more info on The Bible Exhibit™